Agriculture – Forest Science and Technology

Program description

The job market in forestry is strong with respect to both permanent and seasonal employment. On average, 70-80% of seasonal Natural Resources job openings in northern California are for forestry technicians. Duties will vary, but generally include timber inventory and marking, harvest plan layout, ecosystem restoration work, and wildlife surveys. Today, this new forestry must focus on the ecosystem as a whole while realizing we still need to provide a myriad of values from our forests. Such values include biodiversity, clean air and water, and recreation in addition to wood products. By properly applying ecological principles to manage our forests, we can enhance biodiversity and lessen the impact of our consumption on forests around the world.

On average, seasonal forestry technicians are paid anywhere from $10-$15 per hour. Permanent jobs for qualified technicians start around $30,000 - $45,000 per year with benefits. Students who complete the A.S. degree in Forest Science and Technology, with the addition of CSU General Education courses, will be well prepared to transfer to a four-year degree at Humboldt State, Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo, or other out-of-state institutions such as the University of Idaho.

Students planning to transfer to a college or university should consult a counselor to select appropriate general education and elective courses that will meet the requirements of the chosen university program.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Have the appropriate coursework and field experience to pursue Forestry Technician jobs or to transfer to a University in a Forestry-related field.
2. Be able to properly identify common species of trees and shrubs native to the Western US by their scientific and common names and to discuss general uses, site characteristics, and geographic distributions of these species.
3. Be able to apply knowledge of the silvicultural treatments used to regulate stand, composition, regenerate stands, increase growth rates, and improve timber quality.
4. Be able to apply skills in the safe use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
5. Be able to apply computer skills using forestry-related software.
6. Be able to select and implement an appropriate protocol following the scientific method to collect, statistically analyze, evaluate, and document original research data.
7. Be able to accurately navigate in the field using maps, compass, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Students will also be able to use GPS for field data collection and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for data mapping and display.
8. Be able to evaluate basic theory, concepts, and ecological principles as they apply to forestry, wildlife, water resources, and ecosystem Restoration and will use his/her cumulative skills to think critically and to work out possible solutions to address problems facing natural resources managers today and in the future.

Degree requirements

Associate in Science Degree Requirements